More by
Lindsay

The mother of Bruno Mars passed away unexpectedly at age 55 after suffering a brain aneurysm, a publicist for Mars’s record label reports.

Bernadette Hernandez, originally from the Philippines, was a singer and hula dancer who introduced her children to music at an early age.

Mars (whose real name is Peter Hernandez) used to sing with his four sisters in a group called the Lylas, and his brother, Eric, plays drums in Mars’s band.

In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Mars, 27, recalled impersonating Elvis Presley in his family’s band, and said that although his family went through some financial hardships, he said he “wouldn’t trade it for anything…because I feel like I can enjoy this so much.”

Mars’s mother was always very supportive of her son’s musical ambitions. “Bruno, I am so so proud of you,” she said in 2011, when Mars was nominated for seven Grammys. “I knew this was going to happen but not to his extent. I still think of him as my baby and keep forgetting he is a grown man.”

She added, “We’re a very close family…I think that’s what I want my kids to develop and carry on for the next generation.”

Mars is scheduled to begin his ‘Moonshine Jungle Tour’ in Washington, D.C., on June 22, and there is no word yet whether the tour will be postponed.

AMG/Parade Digital

Connect With Us

More from AMG/Parade

Our partners

Your use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance
of our User Agreement,
Privacy Policy,
Cookie Notification,
and awareness of the California Privacy Rights.
Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal
and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced,
distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used,
without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Media Group.
Ad Choices